Tarpon Springs fishing calendar
What’s biting each month, and the best months to book.
Plan your Tarpon Springs fishing trip with our month-by-month calendar for snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, sheepshead and Spanish mackerel. Peak means the best fishing of the year, Good means steady fishing and Fair means possible but slower.
When is the best time to fish in Tarpon Springs?
The best fishing in Tarpon Springs is Mar–May and Oct, when snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon and sheepshead are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for spotted seatrout, sheepshead and largemouth bass; spring is best for snook, spotted seatrout and tarpon; summer is best for snook, redfish and tarpon; fall is best for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): best for spotted seatrout, sheepshead and largemouth bass; also redfish.
- Spring (Mar–May): best for snook, spotted seatrout, tarpon and sheepshead; also redfish.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): best for snook, redfish and tarpon; also spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): best for snook, redfish, spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel; also sheepshead and largemouth bass.
Tarpon Springs fishing calendar by month
How good the fishing is for each fish, month by month. Tap a fish for our full guide.
- Peak best fishing of the year
- Good steady fishing
- Fair possible, but slower
- – slow, out of season or closed
| Fish | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inshore | ||||||||||||
| Snook | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair |
| Redfish | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Spotted seatrout | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak |
| Tarpon | Fair | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | ||||||
| Sheepshead | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | ||||
| Spanish mackerel | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good | Fair | ||
| Bass (freshwater) | ||||||||||||
| Largemouth bass | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Peak |
Seasons, size limits and bag limits change every year: see FWC saltwater rules and FWC freshwater rules. Snook and some other fish are catch-and-release in closed months.
What’s biting each month in Tarpon Springs
Swipe to see every month →
January
Peak Spotted seatrout, Sheepshead and Largemouth bass
Good Redfish
February
Peak Spotted seatrout, Sheepshead and Largemouth bass
Good Redfish
March
Peak Spotted seatrout, Sheepshead and Largemouth bass
Good Snook, Redfish and Spanish mackerel
April
Peak Snook, Spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel
Good Redfish, Sheepshead and Largemouth bass
May
Peak Snook, Tarpon and Spanish mackerel
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout and Largemouth bass
June
Peak Snook and Tarpon
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel
July
Peak Snook and Tarpon
Good Redfish and Spanish mackerel
August
Peak Snook and Redfish
Good Tarpon and Spanish mackerel
September
Peak Snook and Redfish
Good Spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel and Largemouth bass
October
Peak Snook, Redfish, Spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel
Good Largemouth bass
November
Peak Redfish and Spotted seatrout
Good Snook, Sheepshead, Spanish mackerel and Largemouth bass
December
Peak Spotted seatrout, Sheepshead and Largemouth bass
Good Redfish
Best months for each fish in Tarpon Springs
- Snook: best Apr–Oct; good Mar–Nov.
- Redfish: best Aug–Nov; good all year.
- Spotted seatrout: best Oct–Apr; good Sep–Jun.
- Tarpon: best May–Jul; good May–Aug.
- Sheepshead: best Dec–Mar; good Nov–Apr.
- Spanish mackerel: best Apr–May and Oct; good Mar–Nov.
- Largemouth bass: best Dec–Mar; good Sep–May.
Reviews from Tarpon Springs trips
5.019 reviews
Freshwater bass fishing trip
Loved fishing near Bradenton for bass. Took my family on vacation. We wanted to explore some freshwater fishing. Found Bass Online and their great guides and went out on Lake Tarpon with Capt Lenny. Great day of fishing with artificial lures! Will be back soon.
Bob Summers · January 2026
Great time!
Lake Tarpon Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
Thomas Pace · December 2023
Great trip
Tampa Bass Fishing Trip - 6 Hr Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
Pete Johnson · September 2023
Bass fishing
Lake Tarpon Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
William Vaughn · September 2023
Bass Online is #1 Service
They advertise being good, there guides are the best. They only work with select few for a reason. I was able to ask specifically for a guide who I seen online. Buyer Beware, this is the real deal!
Tony Allen · July 2021
lake tarpon
went fishing with captain Bill back in the spring, weather was a little windy and chilly. He came through for me, caught my limit Up to 5 lbs size wise
Time bourke · June 2021
Great Choice with Captain Bill
When we looked to charter a guide we had multiple options so we went with Captain Bill Goudy. We definitely made an awesome choice. We chose Lake Tarpon and he was very knowledgeable of the lake and was able to find us fish. We had a great time. You won’t go wrong with Captain Bill. We will…
Kathy & Rich Erdely · April 2021
Lake Tarpon
Spent an OUTSTANDING morning with Capt Bill on Lake Tarpon. He put us on fish immediately and we all caught several monster largemouth bass.. largest 6#14, that by a pal who NEVER catches big fish! Great experience.. look forward to next time.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
rborman52 · February 2021
Just back from an OUTSTANDING morning on Lake Tarpon with Capt Bill Goudy Jr. He put us on fish immediately and we all caught several monster largemouth.. the largest 6#14 by a pal who NEVER catches big fish! Look forward to the next time.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Richard Borman · February 2021 · Google
Lake Tarpon Bass Fishing Trip
We had a great 4 hour bass fishing trip on Lake Tarpon with Captain Bill Goudy Jr. We landed 3 largemouth bass (largest was 4 lbs 9 oz and biggest of my lifetime) : ) and 2 others that shook loose. My wife landed a large bowfin as well. We can highly recommend Captain Bill as a great bass fishing guide!
MF61614 · March 2020
Lake Tarpon Bass Fisshing 01/02/2020
Just returned from Bass fishing with Capt. Bill Goudy Jr. Had an excellent trip, caught lots of Bass and some really nice ones. Capt. done an excellent job, and equipment was in good shape. Would recommend this trip to anyone. Thanks again Capt. Bill!!
Bucky Billing · January 2020
Capt Bill is the MAN!
Fished Lake Tarpon with Capt Bill and had an amazing time with my best friend Chris. Want to plan a trip back as soon as possible for more action
Eddie Champ · January 2020
Tarpon Springs fishing calendar FAQ
When is the best time to fish in Tarpon Springs?
The best fishing in Tarpon Springs is Mar–May and Oct, when snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon and sheepshead are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for spotted seatrout, sheepshead and largemouth bass; spring is best for snook, spotted seatrout and tarpon; summer is best for snook, redfish and tarpon; fall is best for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout.
What fish are biting in Tarpon Springs in winter?
From December to February, spotted seatrout, sheepshead and largemouth bass are at their best, and redfish is good. Pick calm days between cold fronts.
What fish are biting in Tarpon Springs in summer?
From June to August, snook, redfish and tarpon are at their best, and spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel are good. Book an early start to beat the heat and afternoon storms.
What is the best month for snook in Tarpon Springs?
Snook fishing in Tarpon Springs is best Apr–Oct, and good Mar–Nov.
When is the best time for largemouth bass in Tarpon Springs?
Largemouth bass fishing in Tarpon Springs is best Dec–Mar, and good Sep–May.
Do fishing seasons and limits apply in Tarpon Springs?
Yes. Some fish have closed seasons, size limits and bag limits that change from year to year. Months marked “–” on this calendar are slow, out of season or usually closed. Your captain follows the current rules; check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for this year’s dates.
How do I book a fishing trip in Tarpon Springs?
Pick your trip and date on the Tarpon Springs fishing charters page and book online with a local captain. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before your trip, and a full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call or text (407) 392-4593.